1. A glimpse into the Christmas atmosphere in Ha Nam

In recent years, Ha Nam (Ninh Binh province) has become a familiar destination every Christmas season, not only for locals but also for visitors from nearby areas. What makes Ha Nam special does not lie in grand entertainment areas, but rather in the peaceful, close-knit, and warm feeling that this land brings every time December arrives.

Christmas atmosphere in Ha Nam is vibrant and bustling. (Source: Collected)

Compared to neighboring provinces, the Christmas atmosphere in Ha Nam has a very unique color: gentle yet lively, traditional yet not lacking in youthfulness. The Catholic community in Ha Nam is quite large, spread across Phu Ly, Chau Son, Thanh Binh... so every Noel season, parishes meticulously decorate vibrant Christmas trees, large nativity scenes, and sparkling miniature scenes that attract visitors for sightseeing and photos.

Phu Ly ward is where the festive atmosphere is most evident. Main streets are decorated with LED lights, squares are brightly lit, churches are packed with people attending services and checking in. In wards like Chau Son or Thanh Binh commune, Noel brings a more traditional and intimate feeling: community parties, parish cultural events, small but beautiful and meticulously decorated corners.

Besides attending mass, the trend of checking in for Christmas at decorated spots, cafes decorated with Noel themes, and shopping malls is becoming increasingly popular. For many young people, Christmas is not just an occasion for fun but also a time to capture warm end-of-year moments, stroll together, take photos, and enjoy the true festive atmosphere.

2. Must-visit Christmas destinations in Ha Nam

2.1. Kien Church

Kien Church, also known as Kien Khe Holy Shrine, is one of the most prominent places every Noel season in Ha Nam. Located in Chau Son ward, the church has an ancient Gothic architectural style, featuring two large bell towers and a spacious, airy courtyard. Every Christmas, this place is brilliantly decorated with a large Christmas tree, nativity scene miniatures, colorful string lights, and countless sparkling check-in spots.

Kien Church is always crowded and brilliant during the Christmas season every year. (Source: Collected)

Christmas at Kien Church is usually very bustling: solemn masses are held, groups of parishioners perform cultural activities, sing hymns, and there are many community activities. Especially, the nativity scene area in front of the church always attracts many young people to take photos.

If you want to take beautiful photos without too many people, you should come around 5 PM–6 PM when the sunset light is gentle, and the decorative lights have started to turn on. The evening of December 24th is the busiest time, so you can consider parking your vehicle in a residential area a short distance from the church to avoid congestion.

2.2. Phu Ly Church

As one of the major religious symbols of Ha Nam, Phu Ly Church, located in Phu Ly ward, always adorns itself with a sparkling beauty every Noel season. The modern architecture combined with classical makes the church a perfect backdrop for Christmas photos. Every December 23rd–25th, this area is usually crowded with people attending mass, groups of young people coming to listen to hymns and enjoy the Noel atmosphere.

Phu Ly Church stands out with ancient architecture and a sacred atmosphere. (Source: Collected)

The special point at Phu Ly Church is the facade and main courtyard decorated on a large scale with a tall Christmas tree, and colored lights covering the area. Evening is the best time to visit; however, if you want more space for photos, you can visit early in the morning or late afternoon before 7 PM.

2.3. Vincom Plaza Phu Ly Commercial Center

If you want to find a place that is both beautiful and has many activities for playing, shopping, and eating suitable for all ages, Vincom Plaza Phu Ly in Phu Ly ward is definitely an ideal choice. Each year, Vincom erects a large Christmas tree right at the main lobby, along with miniatures like gift boxes, reindeer sleighs, light gates… which are very suitable for taking photos.

Vincom Plaza Phu Ly is dazzling with lights and bustling with visitors during Christmas. (Source: Collected)

Inside the shopping mall, there are many restaurants, children's play areas, cinemas, and small Christmas-themed events such as flashmobs, mini music shows, or gingerbread making workshops. This is a perfect destination for families with young children or those who want to enjoy Christmas in a gentle, convenient, and warm way.

2.4. Trong Doi Tam Square

Trong Doi Tam Square in Ha Nam ward is always a lively gathering place every Christmas night. This is an area brightly decorated with LED lights covering the pathways, the Trong Doi Tam drum symbol, over 32m high and 20m in diameter, easily impresses any resident or visitor here, sparkling archways, and a stage for cultural programs and community exchanges. Each year, the square also hosts a small Christmas market with stalls selling accessories, handmade items, and snacks which are very suitable for groups of friends to stroll around in the evening.

Trong Doi Tam Square is bustling with many people gathering for Christmas. (Source: Collected)

Visiting between 6 PM – 8 PM is the ideal time: the lights are on but it's not too crowded yet. If you want to take "magical" photos with the lights, you should choose outfits in red, white, or brown tones to stand out in the space.

2.5. Beautifully decorated Christmas cafes in Ha Nam

2.5.1. Green cafe - 226 Truong Chinh Street, Phu Ly Ward

Green Cafe offers a cozy atmosphere suitable for Christmas dates. (Source: Collected)

The cafe has a close-to-nature, spacious view and is beautifully decorated. Especially, in the evening, the cafe is decorated with round lights that sparkle like a castle. Green cafe serves a full range of delicious and diverse drinks such as caramel jelly, iced cacao, blended drinks, fruit bingsu, and some light snacks.

Open from 7 AM – 11 PM.

2.5.2. Caffein Roastery - Nguyen Du street, Phu Ly ward

Caffein Roastery attracts young people with its beautiful space and rich coffee flavor. (Source: Collected)

Cafe In is designed in Japanese architectural style with low tables and floor seating cushions that attract visitors. The plus point of Cafe In is its decoration with warm, cozy, and romantic tones. Featured items: hot cocoa and peach, orange, lemongrass tea.

Open 7 AM – 11 PM.

2.5.3. Monolic Coffee & Eatery - Liem Chinh Urban Area, Phu Ly Ward

Monolic Coffee & Eatery stands out with its youthful design and many photo opportunities. (Source: Collected)

Monolic Coffee & Eatery stands out with its luxurious and sophisticated space. The quán's design is a perfect combination of modern European style and East Asian touches, creating a space that is both elegant and cozy.

Drinks at Monolic Coffee & Eatery are meticulously cared for from flavor to presentation, with a diverse menu ranging from traditional coffees, espresso, latte to various teas and fresh smoothies. In addition, the quán also serves light meals and cakes.

With a spacious open area and abundant natural light, Monolic Coffee & Eatery will surely bring you wonderful Christmas experiences.

Open: 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM

2.5.4. Havita Coffee & Tea - Unit Pg 3-12 Vincom shophouse, Phu Ly ward

Havita Coffee & Tea offers a modern space suitable for the year-end festival season. (Source: Collected)

Havita Coffee & Tea is a must-visit destination for those who love small, charming, and impressive spaces. The cafe has a modern vibe with a minimalist yet extremely sophisticated design, from interior arrangement to small decorative details. Although the cafe space is small, it is arranged logically, creating a cozy and intimate feeling.

Havita Coffee & Tea's menu is diverse with many types of drinks, from coffee, milk tea, herbal tea to juices and smoothies. Each type of drink is carefully prepared, ensuring excellent quality and taste.

Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 10:30 PM

3. Notable experiences and events when celebrating Christmas in Ha Nam

3.1. Participating in mass, cultural performances, and community activities

Christmas in Ha Nam is not just a time for fun, but also carries deep spiritual value. Churches such as Kien Church and Phu Ly Church often organize masses on the evening of December 24th and the morning of December 25th. The Christmas mass is held solemnly with prayers, hymns, and a reenactment of the story of the Nativity.

Christmas Mass in Ha Nam takes place solemnly and warmly every year. (Source: Collected)

In addition, many parishes also organize community cultural performances, singing and dancing, skits, and gift-giving activities for children. The atmosphere of solidarity, warmth, and kindness makes visitors clearly feel the true meaning of the holiday season: sharing and love.

3.2. Christmas check-in photos

Christmas check-in in Ha Nam offers many unique concepts for all ages. (Source: Collected)

Going out for Christmas means having beautiful photos. Ha Nam has countless settings suitable for every concept: from sparkling – romantic at Kien Church, luxurious – modern at Vincom, Trong Doi Tam Square, to gentle – cozy at cafes.

You can try many interesting concepts when you come here to take photos. If you like the traditional Christmas vibe, stand by the large Christmas tree in a prominent red – white outfit, ensuring the photos are both vibrant and in the spirit of the holiday. If you want slightly more sparkling portraits, you can try close-up shots with string lights; the warm yellow light will create a beautiful bokeh effect. And if you love a gentle winter feeling, wear a sweater, a scarf, and hold a cup of hot cocoa; the photo will be warm, perfectly capturing the holiday season. Don't forget to pose by miniature scenes like reindeer, gift boxes, or nativity scenes; each corner brings a very "Christmas" feeling and looks super beautiful in photos.

To "hunt" for beautiful photos, you should take advantage of the golden hour at sunset around 5 PM or the sparkling lights from 7 PM onwards. A phone camera is enough; just slightly adjust to a warm tone to enhance the Christmas feeling.

4. Christmas experience in Ha Nam: Preparation tips and notes

4.1. Tips for choosing outfits and accessories suitable for the Christmas atmosphere

Ha Nam's weather in late December is usually chilly, with temperatures ranging from 9–15°C in the evening. Therefore, you should choose warm yet photogenic outfits such as round-neck sweaters, cardigans, knit dresses, wool coats, or short puffer jackets. Accessories like scarves, gloves, woolen hats, Santa hats will make your outfit stand out and be more Christmassy.

If visiting multiple locations, bring sneakers or low boots to be both fashionable and comfortable.

4.2. Notes on safety, movement, and behavior in crowded places

Every Christmas season is the same; the festive atmosphere makes entertainment areas, churches, and check-in spots crowded. Therefore, before immersing yourself in the bustling crowd, you should also pay attention to a few small things to make the trip smoother.

First, choose a safe parking spot – ideally, parking lots with security or nearby residential areas. Avoid parking right next to the church during main service times, as this area is usually very crowded, prone to congestion, and difficult to manage. When moving in a crowd, do not keep your phone or wallet in outer pockets, especially when jostling for photos; just one moment of carelessness can easily lead to dropping or losing them.

If visiting a church, please dress modestly, maintain order, and respect the religious space. The atmosphere here is always more solemn than outside, so everyone's thoughtfulness and awareness will make things more pleasant for all.

And if you are traveling with young children, keep a constant eye on them, as the crowds during the holidays are quite large. Keeping children within sight not only helps prevent them from getting lost but also helps them feel safe amidst the bustling crowds.

Celebrating Christmas in Ha Nam is not as noisy as in big cities, but it has its own charm: it's both vibrant with lights and peaceful, true to the holiday spirit. Whether you want to attend a solemn mass, hang out with friends, take photos for social media, or take your family to enjoy the year-end atmosphere, Ha Nam has suitable destinations for all.